How stable is the nose 10 weeks after rhinoplasty? Would a minor bump cause damage?

Question

It has been 10 weeks since my rhinoplasty and as I was bending down, my friend bumped my nose slightly sideways. I have been really diligent and careful not to bump my nose since my surgery, but will a minor bump affect the results of my surgery. Also, although I used to often smoke hookah before my rhinoplasty, I have quit before my surgery until now, will smoking again sometimes negatively affect my results? -- I know smoking hookah is bad for you, but sometimes I enjoy doing it-- Thanks!

John Layke, DO, FACS · Answer

As a generaly rule, stability of your nose occurs 8-10 weeks post-rhinoplasty.  If your nose does not look different after the trauma, it is unlikely that you hit it hard enough to cause permanent damage.  Tobacco of any kind should not be smoked after a rhinoplasty for the first three months, as healing will be impaired.  Good luck!

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear AhmedIf it looks the same, it is likely you have not done damage.Usually stable at 8 weeks but that doesn't mean its solid, it can still be re-fractured, so be cautious. If you smoke flavored tobacco in Hookah it will have a different effect than smoking non-tobacco products. Tobacco products effects blood vessels and may delay wound healing. Often, when you smoke Hookah, you may drink and alcohol increases likelihood of you or your friends bumping your nose. Be patient and careful for at least another 4 weeks.

Jason D. Bloom, MD, FACS · Answer

If it was a minor "bump", you should be in the clear, as the nasal bones take around 6 wks to heal.  That being said, if you are concerned, see some obvious changes once the swelling comes down, etc., you should contact your surgeon for them to take a look.Also, smoke of any kind impairs the function of the lining of the nose and can impact both healing and the results.  If you have stayed away so far, I would continue without it.

Andrew S. Frankel, MD · Answer

As a rule the nasal bones have become very well stabilized by 8 weeks following surgery via a fibrous union. A minor trauma at 10 weeks is unlikely to cause any changes to the bones and no more likely to cause problems with the cartilages than such a trauma would have done before your operation.As for the Hookah, it should not have any adverse effects on your nose or healing at this time but it may cause some prolonged swelling.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Ahmed, If the bump was minor then you should have minimal concerns of causing any long term effects to your results. It is always pertinent to share this information with your surgeon and have a follow up evaluation to check your recovery. Smoking of any sorts does cause swelling to the tissues so this should be avoided if possible. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

How stable is the nose 10 weeks after rhinoplasty? Would a minor bump cause damage?

Answers (5)

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